TNT Sports
Kevin Keegan dies aged 75 as football mourns England, Liverpool and Newcastle United great - 'Football loses one of its most defining personalities'
By
Updated 20/07/2026 at 18:50 GMT+1
Kevin Keegan, the former England captain and manager whose glittering career included two Ballon d'Or awards and legendary spells with Liverpool, Newcastle United and Hamburg, has died at the age of 75.
Liverpool and Newcastle legend Kevin Keegan has passed away, his family confirmed in a statement.
Image credit: Getty Images
The England international and former manager was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. His family have asked for their privacy to be respected in a statement.
Keegan burst onto the scene at Scunthorpe United before enjoying six trophy-laden years with Liverpool. He subsequently joined German side Hamburg in 1977, where he won the Ballon d'Or in 1978 and 1979. To this day, he is the only Englishman to win multiple Ballons d'Or, with the German club saying his passing means football has lost "one of its most defining personalities."
Keegan returned to England with Southampton in 1980, joining Newcastle United in 1982, where he also enjoyed a successful career as a manager.
"It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75," a family statement said. ”The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.
"Kevin, a double Ballon D'or winner, was a much loved husband, father and grandfather. The family would like to thank Kevin's incredible medical team for all their support. This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy."
Keegan may have come through at Scunthorpe, but he established himself as one of Europe’s finest during his six-season spell with Liverpool. He scored 100 goals in 323 appearances for The Reds, winning three league titles, the 1977 European Cup, the 1974 FA Cup, as well as the UEFA Cup in 1973 and 1976.
He announced that he would leave Anfield at the end of the 1976/77 season, much to the disappointment of some sections of the Liverpool support. However, he was firmly back in their favour after helping his side finish the campaign with a European Cup and league title.
He won the Bundesliga during his time in Germany while also winning back-to-back Ballons d'Or titles, reaching the European Cup final once again in 1980.
Keegan also finished his playing career with 21 goals in 63 international caps, but his love affair with the beautiful game was not over.
He enjoyed an impressive career as a manager, playing a key role in the Premier League’s rise to the most popular division in world football.
His time in the dugout got off to a flying start as he helped Newcastle return to the Premier League in his first season in charge.
His Newcastle side followed that up by challenging Manchester United for the Premier League title during the 1996/96 campaign, though they were ultimately unsuccessful.
He also managed Fulham, winning the Second Division in his first full season, before taking on the England job in 1999, leading the nation to an ultimately unsuccessful Euro 2000.
His time with The Three Lions came to an end when he resigned following a narrow FIFA World Cup qualifying defeat against Germany.
Keegan subsequently took charge of Manchester City, earning promotion to the Premier League as champions in his first full season at the helm, the third time he had managed such an achievement. He rounded off his managerial career with a brief return to Newcastle, successfully guiding The Magpies clear of relegation.
In a post on social media, Hamburg said: "We mourn the loss of Kevin Keegan. World football loses one of its most defining personalities.
"We will always cherish an honorable memory of our former championship player and two-time Ballon d'Or winner. Rest in peace, 'Mighty Mouse.'"
Liverpool were quick to send their best wishes to Keegan's family in a club statement.
"Liverpool FC is deeply saddened and mourning the passing of the legendary Kevin Keegan," read the statement.
"The former Reds No 7, who appeared 323 times and scored 100 goals for the club across six seasons, died at the age of 75 on Monday after being diagnosed with cancer last year.Â
"The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Kevin's family and friends at this hugely difficult time."
Newcastle also joined Keegan's former clubs in paying tribute to a club legend, calling him "the beating heart" of the club.
"We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan, one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history," read their club statement.
"Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.
"As a player, he brought world-class talent, ambition and belief to St. James’ Park, helping to transform perceptions of what Newcastle United could be."
Shearer, Carragher and more pay their respects
Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.Â
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement